Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Gay Justice Lenk High Court Choice

Well we’ve done it again in Massachusetts. If confirmedby the Governor’s Council Barbara Lenk’s appointmentwould set a precedent for the state’s highest court. Notonly is Justice Lenk openly gay, she legally married herpartner after the court’s landmark decision to legalizegay marriage in the commonwealth in 2004 making Lenkthe first openly gay person to sit on the SJC’s bench.“I like the idea of firsts, as you know, & I’m proud of thisone. But, first and foremost, this is a very well-prepared,highly qualified candidate,” said Governor Patrick duringthe press conference on Lenk’s nomination. Lenk said manyof the commonwealth’s legislative decisions have affectedher life as a citizen of Massachusetts, not only the Goodridgedecision. “That’s the awesome power of the law, it affectshuman lives,” she said. Lenk holds a Ph.D. in philosophyfrom Yale University & a J.D. from Harvard Law School.Her law specialization focused on civil litigation & FirstAmendment matters. In 1993, she was appointed to theSuperior Court and served there until she was appointedto the Appeals Court in 1995. Update to Come...:)Exclusive Audio Interview w/ Erin McHughabout her new book “The L-Life: Extraordinary Lesbians Making a Difference” w/ Jane Lynch, Kate Clinton, Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin & 23 more Icons@ OUTTAKE VOICES™Hear Audio Interviews w/ LGBT Leaders@OUTTAKE VOICES™Support Our Vision @ OUTTAKE™ EQUALITY STORE...:)View Our Historic Short Trailer on Gay Marriage

1 Comments:

Judge Lenk’s appointment would shatter the glass ceiling in Massachusetts around the appointment of openly LGBT attorneys to the state’s highest court. The bench should reflect the community that it serves. It’s undeniable that the existence of openly LGBT attorneys and judges influences debate on the legal issues that impact our lives.

Judge Lenk embodies the highest ethics, integrity, qualifications, and experience required of a Supreme Judicial Court justice. She is a well-respected member of the bar and we look forward to her receiving the support of the Governor’s Council.